Households across England are set to be hit with another bills rise as a slew of town halls plan inflation-busting hikes to council tax in April.

In a fresh blow to hard-pressed families, a number of local authorities have already unveiled proposals to increase council tax by the maximum 4.99 per cent for 2026/27.

Some cash-strapped councils are even considering asking for permission from the Government to breach that cap, with one mulling an eye-watering 20 per cent rise.

A 4.99 per cent rise in council tax is the maximum annual hike allowed, in normal circumstances, before councils are required to hold a local referendum.

The cap is made up of 2.99 per cent for general spending and a 2 per cent adult social care precept.

Last year, amid the debt crisis within local government, six councils were permitted by ministers to go ahead with cap-busting council tax increases of up to 10 per cent.

With local authorities currently putting together their budget proposals for the next financial year, a large number have proposed a 4.99 per cent increase - above the latest CPI rate of inflation at 3.2 per cent.

But residents in North Somerset and Warrington are poised to be hit by an even larger bills hike.

At a meeting last month, North Somerset Council leader Mike Bell warned there was 'no painless option left' for local residents as the local authority seeks to raise council tax above 4.99 per cent.

'Higher council tax rises are now unavoidable if we are to keep essential services running and avoid a financial crisis that would do far more damage to our communities,' the Liberal Democrat councillor said.

He added there was a real risk of North Somerset Council declaring effective bankruptcy without higher-than-usual council tax rises.

Mr Bell had previously told the BBC that even a 20 per cent increase in council tax maybe 'wouldn't be enough'. 

Warrington Council is also considering asking the Government for permission to increase council tax above the 4.99 per cent limit.

Denis Mathews, cabinet member for finance, assets and investments, said the local authority was facing 'the most difficult budget position' in its history.

'It is an unprecedented financial challenge,' the Labour councillor said.

'Put simply, the money we receive in income, is far less than what we are spending on services.

'This huge gap will need to be bridged, through making widespread service changes as a council, but also through seeking additional financial support from Government, which will buy us time to put things right.'

Shropshire Council is proposing a 4.99 per cent increase in council tax.

But it is also consulting local residents on higher increases as part of its budget process for 2026/27.